The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is poised to certify Boeing’s 737 MAX 10 as early as next week, following the completion of a critical safety review on Friday. This final step, conducted by the FAA’s Type Certification Board, marks a significant milestone for Boeing, which has faced heightened scrutiny since the 2018 and 2019 MAX 8 crashes and a 2024 cabin panel blowout on an Alaska Airlines MAX 9.
The MAX 10, a larger variant of the 737 MAX, has been delayed for years due to safety concerns, including issues with the anti-ice system in 2023. These delays have allowed Airbus’ A321neo to gain market share. Boeing has already built several MAX 10s awaiting delivery, with nearly 1,500 orders placed by airlines like United, Alaska, Ryanair, Delta, and American.
A recent glitch in the MAX’s navigation software threatened further delays, but the FAA ruled on October 2 that it did not pose a safety risk. Boeing expects the MAX 10 to play a key role in its financial recovery, contributing significantly to cash flow. The company is also working on certifying its 777-9 jetliner, which is six years behind schedule and expected to enter service in 2027.